Spiritual Attacks: Putting on the Armor of God

Christians are fighting a daily battle. Not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness. Believers do battle with fallen angels called demons, lead by the chief enemy of God, Satan. These enemies of God and of ours attack believers on a consistent basis. What can Christians do to arm themselves against these spiritual attacks? How can a believer fight off theses spiritual attacks? God has provided a way. It is found in the Word of God – the Bible – and it is there that we can “armor up”, so to speak, against the Prince of the Power of the Air (Satan).

The best defense against temptation is a good offense and the offensive weapon is the Sword of the Spirit (the Bible).

The Armor of God

We are told that we must put on the armor of God to be able to defend ourselves against the schemes of the Devil (Eph. 6:9). Paul, having been under arrest so often by the Roman authorities, was highly familiar with the Roman Soldier’s apparel. He thought it was the perfect analogy for the Christian in their fight against the invisible enemy of darkness. The Bible describes just what the armor of God is in Ephesians 6:10-17:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Belt of Truth

The Belt of Truth is the belt that fastens up the believer in the only truth there is in this world. Jesus Christ is the truth, the life, and the way (John 14:6). There is no other truth that is more absolute than the Word of God (the Bible). We can put it this way: Jesus is the Word and the Word is Jesus (John 1:1,14). The truth is something that we can stand firm on knowing that God can not lie and has promised to deliver us and not one of us will be lost (John 6:37, 10:28-29). We can stand firm if we are in Christ (II Cor. 1:21). Paul says that we stand firm only “with the belt of truth buckled around your waist”(Eph 6:14). The Roman soldier had a belt and when he prepared for battle, he girded up his loins with his belt. That is he pulled up his long garment and tucked it in so that he could more easily do battle with the enemy, not trip over his clothing, and not be encumbered by his accessories. This enabled his to stand firm and hold his ground to fight. The truth will not only set you free, but it allows us to be on guard, to be courageous, and to be strong (I Cor. 16:13). The world can not buckle this belt because they do not have the truth.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

The Breastplate of Righteousness is the righteousness that comes from our faith in Christ. It is truly the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed to us on account of His righteousness. If we had our righteousness to protect us we would be in great danger. Fortunately, Jesus Christ’s righteousness is imputed to those who trust in Him as it says in Hebrews 10:10,14; “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.“ The world does not have this and so they have no defense against wicked spirits. When we are born-again, the literal translation means “born from above.” The meaning is clear; we are born of God by the Holy Spirit to be a possession of His forever. We are only given this grace by the placing of our sins on Christ Himself and we are accounted righteous before God because of the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God. The wrath of God has been removed and when we stand before God He will declare us “not guilty” because our Advocate has paid for our sins with His own life. Those who are not saved do not have this breastplate to protect themselves on the day of judgment; the Great White Throne Judgment that is coming for those who do not believe in Jesus (Rev. 20).

The Sandals of Peace

The so-called Sandals of Peace is the readiness and inner-peace that comes from knowing that “He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:14-15). It is called the “gospel of peace” for this reason (Eph. 6:15). Christians are at peace with God because “we have been justified through faith” (Rom 5:1). We have this peace with God only through our Lord Jesus Christ. Before we were saved we were enemies of God as Paul attests to in Romans 5:10, “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” John 14:27 shows us this peace that comes from Christ, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.“ The world can not have this peace as it says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The Shield of Faith

The Shield of Faith is a must to fight off the fiery darts from the devil (Eph. 6:16). Shields in the 1st century were a combination of cloth and wood. These shields were then soaked in oil. This oil was not a flammable oil but an oil that would quench the flaming arrows that were frequently used during battles. The oil could easily represent the Holy Spirit. The shield of faith is the faith that is placed in Jesus Christ. There is no greater faith in all the universe. If it were our faith, then this shield could easily be penetrated by doubts and fears, for alone we are no match for the Devil and his fallen angles (demons). However, when a person places their faith in Christ, this means that they place their full assurance in Christ; they fully rely on, they totally lean upon, and have a complete trust in Christ Himself. Non-believers have only their own faith to protect them. It is a frail, feeble, untrustworthy faith – a worldly faith. It is a hope-so faith and not a know-so faith that is only found in Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:20). The world’s faith at best can only be in their job, in their bank account, in their stocks or retirement funds. The faith that believers have in Christ is secure and eternal and no moths, rust, or decay can touch it – it is safe from robbers nor can any stock market crash effect it (Matt 6:19-21).

The Helmet of Salvation

The Helmet of Salvation goes over the head. I believe it is meant to protect the knowledge of the security of our salvation. This helmet fits over the head and therefore covers the intellect. Not only can the devil not take our life (Job 1:20) but he can not touch our imperishable crown. Everything on this earth is perishable but the imperishable crown is protected for eternity as Paul says in I Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” The knowledge of our salvation should help us endure the afflictions and persecutions of this world. Paul is encouraging us by writing in II Corinthians 4:16-18, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Isn’t this a wonderful thing to know? We are secured for eternity and it is not temporary like that of the world. It is eternal and makes the temporary troubles seem trivial in comparison (Rom 8:18).

The Helmet of Salvation (this knowledge) should help a believe when they start having doubts about their own salvation, if they are truly saved or not, or to think that they are not worthy to be saved. The enemy will use doubts and self-condemnation to attack the believer that does not have this helmet. One way to tell if it is the Holy Spirit convicting a believer or the Devil that is condemning them is that the Holy Spirit will not condemn but convict. The Devil will put in thoughts into the believe mind that they are not worthy, or that they are just pretending to be a Christian but really aren’t one. That is the enemies tactic and why it is so important to have the Helmet of Salvation adorned. Those who are not Christ’s own can not wear this helmet since they do not have this knowledge.

The Sword of the Spirit

The Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon that the Christian has at their disposal to fight off the enemy. Jesus used the Word of God (Scripture) to resist and fight off the Devil in the Temptation in the Wilderness. In Luke chapter 4, Jesus is tempted by the Devil. In Luke 4:3-4, “The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.” Again in verses 5-8, “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Finally in verses 9-12, “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Three times the Devil tried to tempt Jesus and each time Jesus used the Word of God. The best defense against temptation is a good offense and the offensive weapon is the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God – the Bible). Putting it this way, if you get into the Word of God, the Word of God will get into you. I heard a pastor once say, “Show me a worn out Bible and I’ll show you a strong Christian.” David knew the value of hiding the Word of God in his heart. It helped him endure for so many years running for his life from King Saul. The Devil knows the truth but he hates it. When you feel temptations coming on or feel spiritual attacks hitting you, then reading or praying back Scripture is the most effective weapon there is. The Word of God is the very power of God Himself. It is alive, active, and powerful. The unsaved do not have this at their disposal.

Satan’s Ministers

Satan actually has ministers and many of them are behind the pulpits. Even the Devil can appear as an angel of light. Paul says that there are “false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness” (II Cor 11:13-14). Paul was “afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough” (II Cor. 11:3-4).

Any church that does not preach about the divinity of Christ, that He came in the flesh, was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and shed His blood to redeem fallen humans on the cross of Calvary is a false gospel and is not from God ( I John 2:22-23, II John 1:7-11).

Satan’s Prime Targets

Satan does not concern himself with the world. He is not interested in them because they are already headed down the broad path of destruction. Those who do not believe in Christ do not need persuasion to sin. They are already held captive by the god of this world (II Cor 4:4). He also may not waste much time attacking so called carnal Christians. Those believers who live in a way that is not growing in grace, in holiness, and in the knowledge of the Lord God are no threat to the Devil. No, those who Satan sees as his arch enemies are those who are trying to live a holy life. He particularly hates those who are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though he has already been defeated, he focuses his energy and sends his demons against those who are actively proclaiming Jesus Christ as the one and only way to heaven.

Spiritual attacks seem to most frequently occur at times of personal growth in the believer, when a Christian is overcoming a major sin or addiction, and when they are sharing their faith in Jesus Christ with others. We give far too much credit to the Devil. Remember that he was a created being and can never be God’s equal. Neither is he omnipresent; that is he can not be in different places at the same time. He is not omniscient either so he can not know your heart or mind like God can. He has been defeated by Jesus Christ and Satan can do only what God allows or permits him to do and not one bit more. He is within God’s sovereignty in everything he does (Job 1).

I believe that spiritual attacks may be on the increase. Christians feel that the way this world is going that they may be living in the last days before Jesus Christ returns. Although no one knows the day nor the hour of His return, we can clearly see the signs (Matt. 24). Satan must also realize that his time is running out before Jesus Christ returns to bind him and toss him into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:10). If you are not a believe in Jesus Christ, your fate will be sealed on the day of His return (Rev. 20:12). Today it is still not too late to come to saving faith in Jesus Christ (II Cor 6:2). If you are not a believer in Him, then you will have the same ending as the Devil himself – but for those who have been saved by grace through faith, they have already won the victory over sin, over death, and over the Devil. There’s victory in Jesus, but only death -eternal death – by rejecting Him. I pray you will join the other victors to live for eternity with God in the joy of fellowship and relationship. It will be the end of death, sorrow, pain, and suffering, but just the beginning of an everlasting joy that can not even be described (Rom 8:18).

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might find this one helpful as well:

Jack Wellman is a father and grandfather and a Christian author, freelance writer, and pastor of Central Christian Church in Lincoln, KS & also a Prison Minister. He did his graduate work at Moody Theological Seminary. His books are inexpensive paperbacks that are theological in nature: “Teaching Children The Gospel/How to Raise Godly Children,“ “Do Babies Go To Heaven?/Why Does God Allow Suffering?,“ "The Great Omission; Reaching the Lost for Christ," and “Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible."

Jack has written 1050 articles on What Christians Want To Know! Read them in the archive below.

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The article on Spiritual Warefare ministered to me during a difficult time with my adult son who has wandered from the Lord. Intercession is being made for him and now he and I had a disagreement in which he reacted with disrespect and dishonor .. in a way that I would never had ever talked to my parents. I feel that this is all due to warefare that is being made in the heavenlies on his behalf. This article encouraged me to continue with my fasting and prayer.

Ruth, I am so sorry that you are going thru such a trial. It wasn’t until I reached 30 years of age before God finally was able to get thru to me. I lived a life of drugs, prison, and theivery so don’t lose heart. God never gave up on me. I am glad I could encourage you Ruth. I know that the prayers of mothers have moved mountains and God never gives up on us so know that. Here is an encouraging Proverb (21:1) that even Kings can be moved by God: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD ; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

Thank you Aevon for your question. The most frequent attacks come when experiencing person growth in holiness, in overcoming a major sin like an addiction, and when you are becoming more evangelistic (sharing your faith with the lost). Here is the way you can differentiate between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and attacks of the Enemy:

Guilt is like Satan accusing the brethren before the throne of God, day and night (Rev 12:10). Even though we are forgiven we are naturally not perfect. Guilt from the Enemy or spiritual attacks will say to us that we are worthless, hopeless, and have no chance to be saved. We have too much baggage to possibly be saved, even by God. Guilt says, “Who do you think you are! What makes you think that you are a Christian…just look at what you do?” Guilt takes us away from God.

Conviction is different. Conviction points us to God and of our need of forgiveness. When we sin, and we all do (1 John 1:8), we feel God the Holy Spirit showing us that we need to go to God and ask for cleansing, which He promises to do (1 John 1:9). We are convicted about our sin but not about our relationship before God.

Thank God for the conviction of the Holy Spirit this points us to our need to go to God. Guilt makes us feel afraid and unworthy to go to Him. Conviction makes us run to God for a cleansing of our sin. Guilt wants to make us stop reading the Bible and praying and cutting off the relationship with God…conviction makes us run into His presence for forgiveness. Guilt leads to condemnation… conviction leads to repentance. That’s a huge difference. If you know the difference, you would do well and have more peace of mind.

Hello Genesis. Do you have a church home? Talk to your pastor. If not, then you are trying to go it alone outside of the church, the Body of Christ. Satan is said to be like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

There are no lone ranger Christians in the New Testament. If you are not attending, then you are outside of the flock that Jesus, Who is the Great Shepherd, and you have no protection. In fact, when church members are put out of the church for church discipline, here is what the Bible says happens, “This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith: of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:18-20). Do you see? If you are outside of the church, you are more susceptible to the Devil and have no protection.

Right now, you can place your trust in Jesus Christ to save you, confess your sins (which sounds like you have), repent of them (knowing that you will still sin but are determined to stop) and believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and you will be saved! Not later, not tomorrow, but right NOW! Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you trust that He says that He will forgive you and cleanse you? Then you can receive the Holy Spirit and be sealed for heaven and your baby too when she is old enough to understand. Read Romans 10:9-13 which says, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

That’s it! Confess your sins, confess Him as your Savior, trust in Him to save you, and believe in Him and you will be saved because every person that calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED! If you have just now placed your trust in Christ to save you, please let us know right now so we can celebrate with you. You’re on your way to heaven. Now, find a Bible believing church that puts Christ in the center of worship, that believes the Bible is without error, join it, and get baptized.

hello sir i have been greatly bless by your article on overcoming pornography.i am an addict and it is making me to masturbate,which i hate.i really love GOD but this addiction is affecting my healthy relationship with my creator.i have prayed and fasted several time about it and i believe JESUS have delivered me.my problem is the internet,where can i get cheap or free web filters to block all nude and porn videos.i really want to serve GOD in a ministerial capacity.thanks .waiting for yur reply soonest.

Hello Martin. I thank God that you came here for help and your open honesty and transparency. We actually have an article that addresses this very issue and gives you practical steps and biblical support to help you fight the stronghold of the Devil. It is not easy but it can be done and we have in this article in the link below (in this comment) strategic steps to take that are easy to follow and will help you much in overcoming this most hard sin to overcome. Please read this link and let me know if it helps or we can help you in some other way.

I just read this article as you suggested. Although I know most of what you say from reading the word and listening to sermons on the matter; I did not realize that the attacks come from to us who are getting closer to God. For example, when it happened to me last week, I was doing really well. I remember having had a great start to the week, just resting in our lord’s peace. When the horrible dream came about, I could not believe it. The worse part is that I did not realize that I was under an attack till days later. Yes, it makes sense that Satan is very mad at me. I love God more each day and although I struggle with praying, I read His word daily. I go to sleep thinking of Him and wake up with Him on my mind. I just can’t help it. I come from a family background who regretfully were very involved with the ocult and now that my mom and I have been pulled from the pit, he just won’t have it. Well I keep reminding him of his future when he brings up my past and thinks he has me back!

Thank you again for all if your prayers and help with this and the initial matter that brought me to your path.

Thank you for this article on the armor of God. I will be teaching it in Sunday school and was looking for this type of perspective. Very biblically based yet applicable to the kids lives. You’ve cleared up a couple of misconceptions that I had. I am excited about this lesson now. Thank you.

Sue, your very kind with your words and so encouraging that you are teaching these young people these valuable lessons. I heard one pastor say that the shield of faith is the most important for it is defensive in nature but I believe we need them all.

Genesis, your doubts are from the enemy. Do you think God can lie? He says you are saved…and that should settle it. The helmet of salvation surrounds the brain or area of thinking and that of our knowledge. Believe in Kohn 6:37, John 10:28-29 or you are calling God a liar for He saves you and He says you are secure, so believe Him otherwise it is a lack of trust in His Word. Will you believe your feelings (including doubts) or God’s Word? Read the gospel of John…thru and thru and then thru again and then 1, 2, and 3rd John…these will give you the same truths I have just given you.

thank you for this article, i hve been struggling recently in my marriage and i have been having to deal with a husbnad who masturbates when i am asleep and then wakes up with no recollection of it and i have been alerted that it is a succubus i am dealing with. any thoughts on how to overcome it? i am praying constantly and have now just learnt to apply the armor but i am afraid that i am not going to be able to handle it any longer and may do something drastic like up and leave even though i know it is not his fault and he doesnt know whats going on- it really has put a starin on our marriage and it is making my baby wake up screaming im at my wits end… please can you help me?

Hello Ke. This is not a subconscience thing but a sinful thing your husband is doing. I would tell this man just what you told me and that you need to seek marital counseling with the pastor. Have you spoken with the pastor about this? What did he say? I would go by yourself if he won’t. You may have to move out for the sake of your own health and rest and for the sake of the baby too. Tell him that this is advice from another pastor and that his masturbating can not be possibly be done by him not knowing it. That is not humanly possible. It is sin. He is lusting in his heart when he does this and Jesus said when we lust in our heart it is the same as adultery. Tell him this. Talk to your pastor and if he won’t go, tell him you will! Stay firm. Do this. Don’t let him give you excuses…

I am having trouble when I focus on something other than god like school work for some reason I always get off track with god and thoughts pop in to my head like “I don’t wanna trust god or that I don’t want to follow him” and now Ian wondering why I have these thoughts and when I meditate those that’s pop in again

Don’t lose heart Genesis….this happens to me when I am praying too…and when I read the Bible and try to meditate on God’s Word. It is normal. The good news is that you are thinking about God and knowing that, the Enemy is going to try to plant doubts and ungodly thoughts in your head. I heard many Bible scholars and pastors say the same thing. Welcome to the neighborhood. This is completely normal. You are not alone. I will pray for you brother. Take heart. I jumped to the end of the Bible in Revelation 22 and we win!

I apologize…I am so sorry….you haven’t burst my bubble, only my pride, which needs to be popped from time to time. Great that I know now and I am thankful my sister in Christ to have you hear. I hope my words can give you some comfort and allow you to sleep or study better. Take care my friend.

Genesis…this is a great sign of your conversion to me. I wish we had an article that was geared specifically to your question my sister but perhaps these may help some. One shows you how Satan deceives others into thinking that he is a minister of God and the other whether he can read our minds or not:

Before reading this article my heart is really aching with the same problem w/ Ms Ruth but when i red your reply Sir Jack Wellman it gave me hope again although i know God is our hope.
So, thank you so much Sir!

I have only just come across your article on the armor of God. I read Ephesians 6 vs 10-20 as I have done many times, but this time I wanted to know how to put on the whole armor in the practical sense. Your article has helped. I used to really be able to pray and interceed for others. Something happened in church and I took offense. Since then I have struggled to get back into real prayer and no longer hear God as clearly. I have repented several times but feels empty still each time I pray. Have I lost my connection with God. Also I cannot read the scripture and remember what I have read.
Please help!

Thank you Joyce. Let me say that you cannot ever depend on what you feel or what your feelings tell you because human feelings are the most undependable test for whether God is with you or not. Its not a matter of what you feel but what you know to be true. God’s Word says that He will never forsake us nor leave us and so you must believe God and not your feelings. If you are a child of God, have repented of your sins, confessed them to Him, and trust in Christ, then you are secure in His hands (John 10:28-29) and cannot be lost again (John 6:37, 39). I pray this helps you. Read the Gospel of John. This will help those who have doubts.

The Lord has made such changes in me over the last year and has brought me out of the world. For example, I no longer listen to secular music or watch any ungodly television programs. I’ve stopped drinking cursing, etc. However I seem to have some sort of stronghold with cigarettes, I desperately want to quit, but the cravings become overwhelming and I always end up caving in. The other night I was on a Christian website, the site was in reference to dreams and visions. A girl said she smoked and one morning as she woke up she heard a voice say “put down those cigarettes, if you don’t, your prayers will not be answered and you will end up in the pit”. I have been terrified over this and I have slipped and smoked again, now I feel condemned and like there is no hope for me and that God is very angry with me. I also feel like every desire and thought I think lately is sinful and I am so depressed I don’t know what to do.

Thank you Lisa for your comment. For one thing, let me say that I would put not stock in the importance of what a girl says. This type of feeling of condemnation and a dream from a girl is outside of the Bible and is extrabiblical (outside of the Bible beliefs) of importance. Don’t let this girls dream make you feel condemned nor if you slip. The good news and evidence of your being saved is that you are battling with this because the unsaved don’t think twice about sin. You are not condemned and in a pit just because you smoke cigarettes. There are ways to over come this. Here you can see what we wrote about this at:http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/is-smoking-cigarettes-a-sin/

Please don’t feel condemned. The only condemnation is for those who refuse to repent and reject to trust in Christ. A Christian struggles all their life so remember that God’s lover never fails and He never gives up on us even if we stumble and fall a thousand times.

Great Article. 2013 was the year I became much closer to God, Jesus and the holy spirit. It has not been easy by any means. It actually has gotten harder. Would I change it for an easier path, no way. I can tell my relationship with God is only getting stronger. My question is how can I talk about Jesus to others without turning them off. I want to spread the word and I pray for this daily. What can I do to further Gods Kingdom here on Earth in an Intelligent manner. Thank you, Eric

Thank you Eric for your comment. I believe it will get harder the more you strive to get close to God and that is a good sign because if you are going thru spiritual attacks, then you can rest assured that you are at least on the right side. How can we talk about Jesus without turning them off? It is impossible to not offend because Jesus offended many but they still needed to hear the truth. One thing about witnessing to your family, friends, or total strangers, is that you can share with them the bad news that if they step out of this life without Christ they are in a Christ-less eternity and suffering in torment forever without any second chance…you must tell them regardless of whether they listen or not. The Word of God comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. It is not our responsibility to save them but it is our responsibility to tell them. It is their response to HIS ability. Eric, I would like to direct you to this article on how to share the gospel at: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-to-share-the-gospel-with-family/

Hi Jack, Thank you so much for your reply. I read the article and have already used an approach today you mentioned in it. I want to be sure I understand you correctly. We must spread the message but have to realize we might not ever see the results. If we have helped or have not. Afflicting the comfortable means we spread the word even when we receive hate in return. Something I say today might not help them for weeks, months or years correct? This will only happen when God finds them? Thank you, Eric

True Eric. When a farmer plants a seed, the Word of God and the gospel in this case, the farmer sees no results for many weeks, months or if they are trees, maybe even years. God finds those and by His Holy Spirit calls them into a relationship with Christ. Paul writes in 2 Tim 3:10-12:

Thank you for this article. My family and I have recently become a Foster Care family and have opened our home to a child who is very broken. However, the child acts out against us, especially my daughter, and seems bent on destroying us. I know now that it is a spiritual attack and that we need to protect ourselves. God has asked us to do this, so we are obeying, yet I am almost done because I am so frustrated and have no idea what to do. Protecting ourselves, and fighting this battle as a spiritual one will help, I’m sure. Thank you again.

Ok I believe I am under spiritual attack my partner told me that when I am asleep at night the bed vibrates he looks over at me but I am peacefully unaware and sleeping, he told me it has happened on and off over four years, As this is the first I heard of it I did not believe him at first I thought he was pulling my leg but when I realized he was not I was very unsettled. I asked him if he could elaborate when this happened he said only last week sometime, I asked what day but he could not remember. I was hoping maybe I could discern a little from what was going on last week. As I was struggling with my faith regular occurrence for me always not sure if I was abiding in the vine or producing fruit, not fitting in at Church etc…when everything came to a head last week. Normally my reaction is to get hurt, feel rejected by everyone God and then runaway or blame myself or have a self pity party, woe is me, its unfair but this time I chose to stand. Though the door was closed and I was rejected yet again (need to learn something I would say) but it was different this time, I chose to forgive and I prayed and turned to God instead of hiding away or going see I knew this would happen rant. I told the Lord how I felt laid it all out then said I don’t want to be bitter or angry, no matter what I will love them because of you are in me and i am your child, you can help me to do this I just need to say Yes. I thanked the Lord and praised Him I felt lighter and ready to really start because I learnt something so vitally important my self worth does not matter what anyone thinks of me, but the Lord Jesus he see’s me, the inner me, my heart, my soul and all my layers good, bad and indifferent and that’s all that matters. This assurance of His love is amazing and an answer to my prayer and the biggest reason why I fall off and on the alter, I did not of assurance of Gods love because of negative belief systems instilled since childhood. So the next day I prayed and read the bible knowing ok its time to be faithful in the small things. I put what my partner said away from me and thought well maybe it has nothing to do with me he was drinking some beers so maybe it was just crazy talk. That night after a wonderful day spending with the Lord listening to Christian music, reading my bible, praying, being productive in the house just back on track and my spirits lifted, feeling content. A normal day really with no calamity or visibly obvious problems nor any feelings eluding to trouble on its way. I went to bed, and was attacked in my sleep I’m to embraced to elaborate exactly what happened but I thought it was my partner, but I realized it was not I cant explain what was happening it is to shamefull but I saw something not human, greyish skin and empty marble eyes I tried to hit out at it but could not move, I tried to call to my partner but could not speak, I was stuck for what seemed a several minutes but might have only been a few seconds, I don’t know but when I could finally move I was smacking widely at it too see if it was really there but there was nothing, I was terrified and feel completely violated and disgusted. I praying to God but I don’t know if I have some how given legal right to this thing, it has not been back since but now I am not sleeping properly and jumping at every little noise. I am rationalizing and thinking maybe I’m just going mad…but I need some Godly counsel, the first thing I thought was maybe I don’t belong to God, maybe I have messed up too bad, those old patterns of thought trying to control my mind and lead me away from God again, when I’m trying to stand. I am so upset and appalled this is not good and not sure how to handle this, I am praying but is that enough?

PS Sorry for all the typos just wanted to write it fast get it out quick as to dwell on it too much, I holding onto this if God is with me who can stand against me, nothing can separate me from the love of God, The Lord is the light of my salvation whom shall I fear so many scriptures are in my thoughts right now…do I need to anoint myself and my bed maybe? Like the armour of God we put it on all the time so do we need to continually fortify our homes?

No problem my friend. Typos are not important, your spiritual walk in Christ is. It sounds like you are fine. Staying in the Word is enough I believe. Not sure what you mean by fortifying your home. I believe that drawing close to God by reading His Word and even asking others in your church to pray for you would help too. I see that you do have a strong faith, in my opinion.

I have had some experiences similar to these but I heard a teacher of the Word once say that just when you are starting to grow or overcome a major sin or addiction, the Enemy ramps it up. Have you spoken with your pastor about this? If so, what did he say? I know that this happens to many believers who are strong in the faith, as it appears tome that you are. None of us prays enough and God wouldn’t allow this to happen just because your prayer life is down I don’t think. Is your partner your husband? Are you married? All of us have messed up big time and many times but know this, if you are under attack, you at least know that you’re on the right side for Satan and his demons don’t bother with those already headed down the path of destruction. The lost are on auto-self destruct and they don’t need any persuasion, but for you, the fact that you are trying to grow and study and read the Word and pray regularly, makes him angry and that has a lot to do with it.

Remember reading that Satan was cast out of heaven and was angry and went to take it out on Christians, knowing that his time is short? Not sure where its at (in Revelation) but he is quickening his attacks likely due to his time being nearly up. Again, talk with your pastor too about this. And again, if you are living with your partner meaning you are not married, God can and sometimes does remove His hedge if someone is living in sin. I hope that doesn’t anger you but I am only trying to find out more about the situation so that I can give biblical counsel. For example when someone is disciplined and disfellowshipped Paul says to deliver such a one unto Satan so that their soul will be delieverd in due time. Again, not sure where its at. I don’t know a lot of the details of your situation at home. Sometimes, some are into occult practices, some marriage partners who are not saved are into pornography, drugs, etc. and these can be drawing cards for wicked spirits.

No I am not angry at all that is why I asked can they gain legal right to attack you. No I don’t have a Pastor to talk to I was going to Church but it was so big and I tried to talk but when it came to spiritual matters they denied this, its like they believe but not in the spiritual and I understand that it can be over the top and emotional hype, but I tried to explain some of my experiences and they look at me as though I am mad. We are not married, we met when I had ran away from the Lord and from fellowship I was disillusioned and depressed. I had got beaten down pretty bad in my faith by other Christians, family, myself. I did everything a good Christian is supposed to, so I thought. I conformed to be acceptable but felt like I was being suffocated. I was very naive in the beginning and very damaged, it was not hard for me to fall away and too listen or take things the wrong way. So I left, I thought I could go my own way that it would be less painful, easier and yes it was for a time but I began to find life was more empty, my prayer life and my studies dwindled away and I felt sad even though I had everything going for me. A good paying job, a successful boyfriend who truly has a very gentle nature, a great group of friends (non christian but still nice people trying to make a go of it) and I started a band as I am a singer playing in clubs and pubs, even did an overseas tour. My partner is neither for or against belief but does not like organised religion (his words). He is I believe becoming less skeptical about if God exists since seeing and experiencing what I have been through and how I go to God to handle my situations, even when I was out on my own I have always stayed close to God always talk to Him (but then thought I should not because I knew I was not where I should be), I knew deep inside this was never enough and so I would be the one who moved away or just stood still with my head down knowing I was not doing what the Lord had asked me. I have got myself in a real pickle. It is not as simple as just moving out, there is love and respect here, we have a very good relationship he is my best friend. You here that when a Christian women get with an unsaved person they are unequally yoked, it is not the case at all here. I can chat to him about my belief, I can go to Church, we have trust, he really is a gentle spirit but hes not perfect. He drinks too much but he is not violent just a little foolish, he does not know he his lost and believe he is good and yes he is but does not understand how our good is not good or I know there is a longing inside that is why he drinks I’m pretty sure but he does not realize. I have been in this situation before where I chose to do it the religious way and the damaged it caused to my children, to my ex partner, I did do it religiously and as I was instructed by the Church. Its like I am going around the same mountain. I’m trying to do it Gods way this time, I listened to man last time and the fruit that followed was rotten nothing good came of it, you think you would be blessed and honored for doing it as it is written but not then. I stayed single for five years in service to the Lord and the Church and everything just got more insufferable, I went into a huge depression , stop going to Church,stopped socializing. I was later diagnosed with bipolar after a suicide attempt put on meds that turned me into a zombie and was under a psychotherapist. I then moved to whole new state, I just wanted to get away from the memories I did not care I knew know one. I met my partner but we did not live together at this stage we were dating but my depression was still with me and the meds were so strong I could not get around until 2pm in the afternoon, I then lost both my girls one left home at 16 she couldn’t bare under the weight of the pressure she was looking after me and the younger two. I don’t blame her and the other one went to live with her Father, she was very angry and violent towards me I had lost the ability to reason with her, or have authority in the home, my son was different he was always so at peace and would constantly hug me, even though all this was going on. He is very well adjusted I don’t really know how but only by the grace of God I’m sure. The house I was renting was needed by the owner and I had to move so I ended living with my partner I had know where else to go so now its just me, my son and my partner. When I accepted Jesus into my heart I felt so free, so loved, so much joy and then the very next day it all went pear shaped from there it has been one constant battle….When I am most assured in my heart by the Lord then I will know what needs to be done but that is what I am still trying to discern. I don’t know if anyone can truly understand my predicament, but The Lord himself. I am listening, I am open to the still small voice, I don’t really know how much more heartache I have left in me, the Lord says that we are bruised reads but he will not break us, I am close to breaking, I have chosen Him I know and am waiting for Him to make away, what ever this way is, I have counted the cost, I know I may lose in this life everything, but I am the one who said yes Lord.

Most of all I pray and hope if someone else is in this struggle too by me being this open and truly being honest with myself will help someone else find their way too. Its like I am confessing the sin in my life, it is being revealed, I don’t know if the Holy Spirit is guiding my fingers but it feels such a relief to just acknowledge the truth. A sad relief and a very sad truth, I have messed up. But I know my life is still being written and I know somehow there is meaning here even if I can not see it right now.

Hi Ps. Jack, I do agree with your counseling advice, I just don’t know how to fix this when I first got saved I was called by the Lord in my defacto relationship with my ex. I very much akin myself, to the women at the well, she believed but i am not sure were her story went after she told everyone else in the village. I believe and I have begun to tell everyone. But back then with my ex I did the whole we can’t live together anymore I have to follow what the Lord says, we can not live together until we are married as we had children together I felt that even though he was not a believer and I only a new believer God would work it out, I trusted so much He would I moved out with my children and prayed morning noon night for over 18 months every day but my ex pulled further and further away. One night I had a vision and I saw him sleeping with another person. All night I cried broken hearted because I had so much faith the Lord was going to bring him to Him, it was a death of a dream I had for us that we could be a family. But that dreamed died after I had that vision. My cries were of such deep anguish I placed my head on the Lords lap and wept so much so my whole being shook then somehow my anguish and sorrow turned into deep gut wrenching laughter, uncontrolled laughter. I could not stop laughing and weeping all at the same time but with each out burst I felt free and our soul tie I felt it was disconnected. I prayed in the Spirit and asked the Lord to fill up those missing parts with more of Him. I knew then that we were not meant to be and that I was meant for the Lord. I know the vision was from God as the next day I asked him and he confessed it was true I told him I knew as the Lord had shown me, I cried one last time and said goodbye I had closure that we were finished. I guess I was still a little unsure and that was where I think my faith was first hurt. You see I thought if we did what the Lord asked with absolute faith in our hearts He would bless us. I guess I am a little terrified at knowing that to make such a stand that needs to made, may well be another devastating blow and I am scared that the witness of me abiding and standing in Gods word will send another soul further away from God. Thats what I see my actions did that I have condemned someone else. God has humbled me many times over, stripped me bare and then filled me with real love for others cause ever since that day I have prayed help me Lord to Love as you Love… So now I care for others deeply God has given me this heart to love people, even those who are so very difficult to. But back then I know my heart attitude at the time was wrong and a little self righteous and I know I hid behind Jesus to make the stand rather then let him hold me up to make the stand. I don’t know if that makes sense but I feel I used the word as a weapon to wound. I think that is why it failed the first time I made the stand and why I say I did it religiously. I did not have love in my heart for my ex, I guess I tried to make it work because we had children and they suffered as a result of my choices. I think in some ways I have inherited this my mother conceived me out of wed lock she is a believer and my Father is not, they do have a good, they do almost everything together in their relationship But spiritual walk for my Mum is a lonely one, i think. Over the years my mothers faith has had an effect on my Dad. When calamity strikes he always says to my dear you better go pray. But my mother has often told me she always has dreams about having to climb mountains with all the children on her back while my father stands at the bottom and just watches or just instructs. To me that speaks of her always carrying the spiritual burden of the family and my Dad sits idol by and does nothing to help. You see I have inherited this legacy too I don’t know if it is a curse and I know this might be wrong to say but sometimes I wonder if this is meant to be my path also, that I have an ability like my mother to be strong spiritually and carry the spiritual burdens of the home. The Lord gave me words for a song once it they went “beautiful lady why do you hide, hide your smiles behind sad eyes, why dont you let my light shine through, pour it out its deep with in you, your a guiding star a light in the dark an angel that’s who you are my sweet desert rose…I know I’m not an angel I know an angel is also a messenger I believe we are called to be messengers of the Lord. A Desert Rose is an amazing plant it grows with little water.. We do read in the bible God used some people outside the Jewish nation Like Rehab, Ruth etc to bring about His purpose and he brought Christ into the world so that not only the children of promise would be saved but the whole nations outside of the Jewish faith (the world). I’m not saying that the Lord has shared this with me I just read my bible and this is my interpretation and I am open to correction. I know Gods commandments are true, I know that I can not enter his promise for me until I submit but I am not sure how to go about it. I am in very deep and I keep praying Lord I know this is not what you had in mind for me but what was meant for evil I pray Lord turn it around for good. I don’t have family here, I don’t have financial security, I don’t have Church, My friends are my partners friends, I work now but only casually. I live a million miles from my home time. I know the Lord is my Shepard he led me to this verse only last week, I know he is trying to say to me Lisa I am your protector and your provider, I am keenly listening for His voice, I know that I am a Christian and a saved and spirit filled one and I have made up my mind in my heart when I hear my shepard The Lord I will do it. Yes, I am battling with my fears and my flesh so I need to pray and read more and more and let the Lord strengthen me, not by power not by strength but by my spirit says the Lord, I have to make the stand again but this time in Him and by His spirit I am pretty sure of this then I can do this. I am submitted in my heart but waiting for timing and how it should be done and what should be done, do I say you need to marry me, do I need to leave or is their another way?. This is what is hard knowing the direction and waiting patiently for which door? I can plainly read scripture but it is folly to jump ahead of the Lord. He always says to me Be still Lisa, this has always been, so I am being still and waiting upon the Lord. Thank You for the link and your counsel I do truly believe it will me come to terms with the the truth and hear the Lord.

I just need to clarify, I thought I loved my ex thats why it was a death of a dream but I came to realize later I was in love with the idea of romantic love itself, not authentic love that comes from Christ.

Hi Ps Jack, So yesterday was a very heavy day for me, fear, doubt my mind was a battlefield. After I posted all the above I realized this, I feel a bit silly too, I went off in my emotions, again. Then you wish you could un-post. So I spent time in prayer and played instrumental songs of worship. I then anointed the home myself, my son and my partner with oil and the whole atmosphere here changed. This morning when I woke I prayed and read my bible again, I listened to a Christian radio program about grace, sin and repentance. I realized the answer had been staring me in the face all along. I needed to repent and completely give this over to God, I have put this relationship at the foot of the cross and completely wait upon Him, trusting whatever comes our way will be His will. I realized no more trying to rationalize, justify make it sound reasonable, by my understanding and my intellect. I am believing that His grace is sufficient me. I was beginning to give too much stock to the enemy therefore I was taking my eyes of Jesus and giving the enemy all the ammunition in the world to fire His darts and they were hitting there target. I am not going to give the enemy any glory, one more minute. Last night I slept soundly for the first time in about a month. I don’t know if someone is praying for me but I woke up this morning with clarity and peace in my heart knowing the only answer is Jesus. I know the Lord is working in this situation and I was reminded God never leaves nor forsakes us. The verse that jumped out at me was, Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven- for she loved much, But He who has been forgiven little loves little. This is confirmation that my prayer of repentance is acceptable, that His grace is sufficient, that the Lord will have His way in my life. That the only choice I need to make is to follow Jesus and by faith believe the way is already here and each day taking one step closer to Him until I find the door He has opened. The Lord is going to help me work this out because I have faith He will, I have faith He loves me and will not abandon me. I already know the first step to take, a friend of mine invited me to her Church its about 30 mins drive away from home. There is a female Pastor there I think a women would be a very good place to start to share with. Thank You for your patients with me, your very gracious you could have told me I am deceived and lost and going to hell most would have. Trust me I questioned this myself a lot of times.

Wow…Lisa…I am at a loss for words my friend, you are just about as hard of a place as Job was….these things are the reason that I pray for the kingdom to come so that God can finally wipe away ever tear and when God wipes them away on that day, they will never reappear. I like what you wrote…that you have to fully depend on and follow God and that’s exactly what He desires for us to do anyway, right? God cannot fix us until we are first broken. God desires a soft clay vessel since He is the potter and we can never be like Christ until and unless we suffer like Christ did (of course not to the same extent). I wish I could know what to write to help. Your story is amazing and yet you have not turned bitter. What a glory to God, even so, come quickly Lord.

I will keep believing…. I do wish sometimes life was just a simple a+b= c formula but I guess what then would my need for a savior be if that was the case. These grey areas (my struggles) highlight this for me, that there are impossible struggles for me but in Christ nothing is impossible. This goes for any of us when we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul. I’m so glad I found this site it is helping me in guiding me in my bible study at the moment.

This is so great. Thank you so much for your beautiful article. I’ve been seeking the answesr to the armour of God, for it was difficult for me to understand. But I really needed it, so I had to find my answers! But God provided as usual. Jesus Christ is so good to me… it is my job to thank him, praise him, and also thank you for a well written piece!

Hi pastor jack ,
Thank you for your article ,I thought you might be interested in our sons work on Armour of God for children .
If it can be used for children for reaching even the parents ,please take a look at that other and work Thank you Raj Manuel

What a blessing you are! I learnt so much from what u write there and answers you gave!
I pray that you to be fruitful in ur ministry….and every body who sees you to see jesus christ through you and smell Gods perfume in you!!
So much love and respect

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